I feel a strong grip on my wrist and next I know,he was dragging me away from there.

I was still shocked to comprehend anything.

My eyes fixed at the boy laying unconscious on the floor behind. Who I was staring at over my shoulder.

Is he fine? Shouldn't we help him? After all it's Neil's birthday and he is our guest.

But before I could voice my thoughts,we took a turn and he was out of my sight. I look in front to see Aaron's broad back on me.

His jaw clenched tightly as he pulled me along.

I see people making way for him,girls gawking at him and looking at me in envy. Jeez girls,he is just holding my arm.

It's not like he is kissing me.

"Aaron!"

I try to call for his attention but he doesn't bother.

The boy was hurt,we should get a doctor. For humanity sake atleast.

I try pulling my arm but his grip only got stronger. People were staring but he doesn't bother, making his way upstairs like he is the King of this place.

What if the boy dies there? Will I be considered a murderer? He was bleeding...what if the blood doesn't stop flowing.

Oh come on Ezra. He just punched him, it's not like he stabbed him.

Well true...but still. We should inform Neil atleast.

"Aaron wait! The boy he..."

Next I know I was brought back to his room and he slammed the door shut. Leaving my wrist and turning around to run his fingers through his hair.

"We should go back. He is hurt...he was bleeding Aaron!"

His angry eyes stop at me and I gulp. Why does he look like he wants to murder me. I didn't said anything wrong did I?

He steps closer to me, and I clench my fists. Don't be afraid... don't be afraid.

"Why are you concerned about that asshole or is it that you like him? Did you initiated it?"

My eyes widen. Me...no...I...how can even think that way. He steps closer and I move my head in a no. Placing my hands infront of me to only have them hit his chest in the process.

"I...I ..he...just came and...I..."

"You what? You stood there like a statue doing nothing. Don't you have your hands with you? You could have slapped him!"

Why was he scolding me? I feel tears stung my eyes by his tone. No one talks to me in that tone, they are all sweet with me.

Except for him and in these 5 years I almost forgot how it is to feel his hatred,his detest on seeing my face.

"See Ezra I am not like Neil and Ben. I won't be fuc**** cleaning your tears and doing sweet talking with you."

I know and maybe that's why it hurts more. The truth always hurts more.

"If I wouldn't have come on time. He would have forced himself on you and you know the worst part?"

"No one would have cared in this crazy party."

Another tear leaves my eyes and I close my eyes. Hugging myself tightly,I was still shaken by the incident and he was making it worse.

I was so stupid. It was my fault as well! Why am I such a loser! Creating problems wherever I go.

"I...I. am sorry...I..."

"Just shut up girl! Are you stupid or what! It was not your fault dammit! Why are you being sorry now?"

I flinch under his tone. But he was scolding me...I thought it was my fault. Why is he so frustrating.

"But- I-"

He sighs to only speak calmly this time,his tone not accusing or reprimanding.

"Just sleep here. I am tired of this drama already."

He says turning his back on me and proceeding to leave. I stare at his back in shock,not knowing what to do.

Was he allowing me to sleep here tonight? But he never...

The door was banged shut and I look up to see he left.

His earlier words echoing in my mind and the thought of something bad happening keeping me awake half of the night.

His angry grey orbs were all that I could see when I closed my eyes.

Hugging his pillow I finally drift into a deep sleep when it was dusk outside.

....................................................

"Ezra! Hurry up my child!"

Mom screams from the dining table and I pick up the dish bowl and proceed towards the dining table .

Placing it down ,I dust the imaginary dirt on the Apron out of habit and look up at the sleepy faces.

Neil was looking at the dishes ,tired and Ben was leaning his head on the dining table,sleepy and bored.

Mr and Mrs Reed will be arriving in the evening today and till then we kids were in for a home alone, however technically we were not kids anymore.

Neil has his own investment company to run while Ben has chosen his hobby as his career. He is a program developer and loves making vedio games.

And as for me?

Professionaly I hold a master's in business administration. But few months into the field and I realised the job was not for me.

I am too sensitive for the corporate world,as I would phrase it. As in that 1 month I worked,I used to cry when I came back from work.

The workplace bullying,the bitching and the boss's scoldings were too much for my heart. One day I even started crying in front of the boss and that day on, I decided to quit my job.

I am happy that I left it because that happiness was missing in it .

I love kids and I decided to do what gives me real happiness. I teach children and I am currently employed in a private school just a few kilometres away from here.

Perfect? Isn't it.

Their crooked smiles make my day and I love their angelic company. Much better than the company of my snobbish arrogant bosses.

"Hi baby! A very good morning"

My thoughts are interrupted by Stel's voice and I look up at her. Wearing a beautiful maxi blue dress ,she makes her way to Neil giving me and Ben her beautiful smile.

"Hey future sister in law. It's afternoon actually."

Stel kisses Neil on his cheek,raising her perfectly shaped eyebrow at her.

"It's good morning for you sleepy head. Still in the hangover it seems."

"Oh please....if anyone had hangover? You should ask your best friend here."

He says looking at me and I give him a murderous look. Mom was standing just behind me arranging the dishes. Neil hits Ben from under the table and I fake smile at mom.

"Best friend? Ezra? Did you drink last night?"

Sh**! I am dead. This stupid ass! Moving my head in a no ,I give Ben an angry stare to look back at mom.

"Mom... actually..."

"No aunt May. I was referring to Neil here. He and Stel are what they say ' bestfriends before lovers'"

Ben saves my ass, giving me a smirk and I sigh. Thank God!

"You kids and your references. I am getting too old to understand you sometimes."

Mom says and we all share a look. Saved.

"Oh come on Aunt , I don't know your age but look wise, you do look like you can slay in movies.Why don't you try for the movies? Stel I got you your next candidate."

Neil says and we all laugh at it, Mom hits Neil's shoulder in irritation while Stel continues with it.

"Really Aunt May. If you say I can enroll you for the next audition. What say?"

"Oh shut up you notorious kids. Teasing an old lady is not a good thing."

And we all chuckle as I hug mom from behind and place a kiss on her cheek.

"You are the most beautiful women in the world mom.Trust me."

I say and she kisses me back. Smiling at me.

"And you my dear Ezra are the most beautiful daughter in this world"

She hugs me and we hear awwww in the background. As they all chuckle seeing the exchange between us mother and daughter.

.........

Lunch progresses and I sit to have the food ,when Stel's question made my fork to stop in mid air.

"I heard Aaron has returned. Why don't I see him anywhere?"

Neil answers, pouring himself a glass of water and looking up at Stel.

"You don't know how brother is Stel. Breakfast at 7 office at 8 Lunch at 2 Dinner at 7 and sleep at 9. Not even one second ahead or behind."

"And now that father has told him to take over Reed industries. He is going to go more strict with his routine."

"I wonder if mom gave birth to a robot."

Ben chuckles while I start playing with my food. Too distracted to eat right now.

"But no one told me big bro was coming yesterday. Imagine my surprise,I was laying on the bed asleep when he comes and pulls my comforter off me. For what you ask?"

"For a fucki*** trouser!"

"He could have taken in from my cupboard. It is not that I have locked it or better...he would have worn his own trousers! It's not like his room was haunted."

I feel uneasiness settle inside me. Neil looks at me and I stare down at my food again. Don't...tell... don't tell.

"Haunted ? I don't know but it was definitely occupied. Ezra, he didn't disturb you. Did he?"

He asks and Ben's attention turns towards me. Dammit! He will not stop teasing me now.

"Wow wow...wait a second. You mean you left Ezra in big bro's room last night. And he returned and........"

He looks at me,asking me to continue and I see all pairs of eyes staring at me. Why so awkward!

"And what? He left. I didn't meet him. I wasn't even aware he is back."

Ben raises an eyebrow at me,not convinced and I ignore him to finish my food and leave the table.

"Interesting"

Was all Ben said and thankfully the attention got drifted from me.

"Anyways, dinner at 7 guys. I want everyone to be present here. I will be introducing Stel to the family finally. To my complete family."

She smiles at him and he kisses her, while I was already dreading this dinner. He will be here...how will I face him now that I am sober.

"Guys but wait! I am too eager to meet him. Why is he like that? I mean you all are so easy going and extroverted ."

Neil sighs, pulling her to his lap and smiling at her.

"Don't worry Stel he will like you. I know bro more than myself, family is always the top priority for him. And you...are family now."

Ben rolls his eyes at Neil's cheesy dialogue and I chuckle.

Family.

The word sending a wave of warmness inside me as I recall his words to that boy last night. A blush covering my cheeks.

"No but seriously ,wait tell me a gossip first. Does he have a girlfriend? "

"Yup and you know her."

Neil says and Stel almost jumps in excitement.

I didn't knew she knew her.

But again they are from the same industry and both are at the top of it. Super rich people always know each other.

"Really? Who is she!"

"Andriana Smith"

And that was it, Stel almost screamed in disbelief and I had to close my ears to protect my eardrum from permanent damage.

"Stop it! Why are you girls so loud dammit!"

Ben screams in irritation and I agreed with him. I could have permanent damage guys, Stel is really at another level of energy from me.

While I am mostly shy,silent and at peace,she is always jumping,excited and entertaining.

"Oh my God! I can't believe it. We used to go to modelling school together and we were like best friends. I can't believe it that if she marries Aaron ,we will be family! "

The thought made the smile on my lips to vanish and a sudden pain to hit my chest.

Is this what is called a heartbreak? But it will again be an exaggeration as for a heart to break it first has to join.

My and Aaron's hearts were always apart,wide apart at a distance which was more than just physical.

Ben looks at me and I give him a fake smile. But he could read through me. He knew how this news affected me. And I guess he knew this already, the very reason of why he was asking me to move on from this childhood crush.

"Neil you won't believe. She is such a nice person! She is at the top of the industry yet she is so down to earth. We used to sneak the modelling shift and have ice cream at the streets. Those days were so good....oh god I just can't believe this."

I guess what hurted more was the extent of admiration Stel had for her. Of her being her best friend even before I met her.

All these years Stel has been my only friend. And now hearing her talking about her lost best friend , sent a pang of jealousy in me.

The very friend who was in a relationship with the man I couldn't even afford to touch ,let alone proclaim my love for.

The only man I have ever liked in my 25 years of life.

"When is she coming? Is Aaron serious with her? Will he marry her?"

She kept asking like an excited kid,while each question she asked broke something inside me. She isn't even here and I am feeling like this?

Family. She will be in their family. Their new family. But what about me?

They will start liking her and will they forget me then. Stel seems to already forget about me by only talking about her,her best friend will be returning....she will spend her time with her....who will be I then? Will Ben and Neil also forget me?

This house...Mr and Mrs Reed. Will they all forget me?

Will I be a nobody for them just an acquaintance they knew since their childhood.

Just a maid's daughter?

I feel tears sting my eyes. Why am I so weak? Why am I so sensitive. Why am I crying?

I want to run away from here,I can't listen to this any longer. I need to leave.

"Excuse me...I have some dishes to clean."

I whispered but no one cared if I was leaving the table. Stel was too excited and Neil was laughing with her.

The tears I was trying to control ,left already and that's when I met Ben's stare.

He knew.

His eyes soften seeing me and I just shake my head,telling him it's nothing. Dashing into the kitchen ,I reach the counter and hold it tightly.

Taking deep breaths trying to calm myself.

It's fine Ezra. Breathe. It's alright. You are fine.

My eyes land on the groceries placed on the shelf in front of me and that's when the first sob broke free.

Groceries I brought to make Aaron's favourite in dinner tonight. His favourite lasagne which he used to love , especially when I prepared it.

But why will he still like it? He has travelled half of the world, tasted the world's best delicacies.

Why will he like the lasagna made by a stupid girl he detest.

My teardrops land on the groceries bag and I gather myself.

It gives you happiness Ezra, making others smile gives you happiness in return. Seeing him smile will be worth it.

We ask for nothing more, just his smile.

And that's when I clean my tears and run the tap. Taking out the vegetables from the bag and placing them below the water.

I ask nothing in return,I will have no expectations.

They all have done so much for me and in return I will do everything I can to give them happiness .

...................................................

Ben leans against the threshold of the kitchen,his fists clenched at the scene.

She had his back towards him and he could see her rubbing her cheek vigorously on her shoulders. Trying to clean her tears.

The tap was running and she was cleaning the vegetables. Trying to help her mother like usual.

He has never seen anyone like her. So caring,so gentle, so loving. Yet so sensitive as well.

Any man would be lucky to have her,yet his brother was the only one she has ever laid her eyes on

But Aaron? He has hated her and avoided her like a plague. Reason unknown to him.

Yes Andriana was a top model, one of the most beautiful women in the world. But this little girl with stained cheeks and red crying nose was no less.

She was beautiful beyond the eyes understanding. She was beautiful from within.

He has grown up with her and he was aware of her every small secret. From the latest secret of her using her pocket money to gift Neil to the secret of her lieing to his mother that she had funds with her.

Oh her protecting him from his mother by lieing to her, to not eating her food and instead packing it and taking it to a homeless women that sat a few blocks across the road.

To giving her new clothes to those homeless kids and being satisfied with her old worn out ones.

She was selfless beyond human nature.

And he feared it will be her greatest weakness one day. She will give beyond she can afford and then there will be nothing left for her.

Just like the love she has for Aaron.

She is hurting herself knowing he has a girlfriend yet she continues to care for him. And in the end he could see she will end up giving her everything for him.

He knows she is convincing her brain by saying she gets happiness on seeing him happy.

When I want to ask her

"If his happiness is the only thing giving you happiness. What will happen when he finds his happiness in someone else?

What will happen when you forget that loving yourself was more important than loving others?

What will happen when your selfless love becomes less of a strength and more of your weakness?

What will happen Ezra ,tell me and I will not intervene in this destiny's play of fate.

Tell me and I will let you love my brother as selflessly as you say.